Sykesville fire leaves mother, children homeless

THE BALTIMORE SUN

A two-alarm fire destroyed a Sykesville apartment yesterday morning, leaving a mother and her three children homeless, authorities said.

A passing motorist reported the fire at the three-story wood-frame apartment building in the 7500 block of Main St. about 9:30 a.m. A second alarm was called shortly after the first firefighters arrived, authorities said.

The state fire marshal's office was investigating the cause of the fire late yesterday. The fire appeared to have started on the second floor and authorities estimated damage at $150,000.

"The second floor was largely gutted, the third floor suffered smoke damage, and the first floor had fire and smoke damage," said Bobby Ray Chesney, chief of Sykesville-Freedom District Fire Department.

Chief Ron Green from Gamber and Community Fire Company suffered a cut hand when glass pierced his glove while he was working in the building, Chesney said. Green was taken to Carroll County General Hospital for treatment.

Fire officials said the American Red Cross is assisting Monica Bruce and her three children, who were not home in their second-floor apartment when the fire broke out.